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The data is from December 18 - 24 (week 51) and December 25 - 31 (week 52).

It shows how flu has increased in some areas, but decreased in others.

Flu map: Week 51

Map of flu cases in Ireland during Week 51 (Image: HSE)

During week 51, 'widespread' flu was reported in the East region, while 'localised activity' was reported in the Midlands, Midwest, Northeast and West areas.

'Sporadic' activity was reported in the Northwest and South, while 'no activity' was reported in the Southeast.

Flu map: Week 52

Map of flu cases in Ireland during Week 52 (Image: HSE)

One week later, 'widespread' flu remained in the East region, while 'localised activity' was reported again in the Midlands, Midwest and Northeast areas as well as the Northwest, which increased from 'Sporadic'.

'Sporadic' activity was reported again in the South, as well as the Southeast and West.

A HSE spokesperson said: "Influenza activity has continued to increase in all HSE-Areas."

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The deadly 'Aussie flu' - also known as H3N2 - has already arrived in Ireland and is strengthening its grip.

The HSE revealed on Sunday that "less than 10 people" in Ireland have already died from the so-called 'Aussie flu' outbreak .

How can you avoid getting the flu?

People have been urged to get a flu jab to protect themselves from the H3N2 strain.

The flu vaccine is the best protection we have, although because flu strains change, it needs to be done every year.

The flu jab is offered free to adults at risk, over-65s, pregnant women and children at risk aged six months to two years old, and a spray is offered to children up to four.

You can have the jab at your GP and some pharmacies. Serious side effects of the vaccine are rare.

Those who don't heed the advice and are diagnosed by a GP may be prescribed an anti-viral medication to treat their symptoms.

What is the difference between flu and a cold?

The symptoms may be similar to a common cold, but flu tends to be more severe.

Flu tends to come on in a few hours, makes you feel exhausted and affects more than the nose and throat alone.

It can also lead to much more serious complications like pneumonia.

How can you treat flu?

(Image: Getty Images)

Flu usually clears up by itself after around a week, but there are ways you can recover more quickly.

Rest, sleep, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen and drinking lots of water are all recommended.

GPs do not prescribe antibiotics as they will not relieve symptoms or help recovery.

You can seek advice most easily from a pharmacist, and are encouraged not to call 999 or go to A&E unless you develop sudden chest pain, have trouble breathing or start coughing blood.

Patients are advised to only go to their GP if their symptoms fail to improve after seven days, they are a child, over-65, pregnant or have a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system.

What are the experts saying?

(Image: iStockphoto)

Director of the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre Dr Kevin Kelleher told Independent.ie: “Influenza-like illness has increased in all age groups except in those aged 0-4 years.

"Hospitalised cases of influenza and influenza associated outbreaks in residential care facilities have also increased.

"The HSE has in the last fortnight also been notified of a small number of deaths directly related to influenza (less than 10).

"These indicators tell us that flu is actively starting to circulate in the community, yet it’s not too late for people at risk to get the vaccine from their GP or Pharmacist."

He has urged those in high risk groups to get the flu vaccine.

Dr Kelleher added: "Prevention is better than cure, and the increase in flu activity means it is even more important to get your flu jab if you are in an at-risk group.

"Initial indications so far point to more people in at risk groups and more healthcare workers getting the flu vaccine this year.

"The HSE would urge those who have not yet been vaccinated to join their peers and their colleagues in getting the flu vaccine.

“People in ‘at risk’ groups can get the flu vaccine itself free of charge (people without medical or GP visit cards may be charged an administration fee). This is because they are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu, and may need specific treatment or hospital care."